Job Description

Job Title Finance Analyst \xe2\x80\x93 Softlines Line of Business CPC EMEA Location - This role is based in Hammersmith, London 4 days per week Reports To Senior Finance Manager, Softlines Overall Purpose of the Role As part of the Regional EMEA Softlines Finance Team, the team is responsible for providing commercial, business development and financial planning support to the Softlines EMEA Category teams Areas of Responsibility Financial Planning & Analysis Support the Senior Finance Manager and Senior Finance Analyst in key aspects of the quarterly forecast and close process for the EMEA Softlines business (Fashion and Home categories), to ensure FP&A key deadlines are met, the output is accurate and there is ongoing strong communication with key stakeholders. This includes;

• Ensuring all templates (licensee / category / upload) are set up accurately and on time
• Reviewing licensee / category forecasts and ensuring these are uploaded correctly
• Managing key reporting tools for the Regional and local Finance teams to use
• Provide / gather commentary on reasons for variances to prior periods and how business is trading across brands, retailers and markets.
• Tracking of the true-ups/downs from licensee reporting, following the quarter close
• Where required, support Senior Manager on analysis, presentation decks, explanations, and ad-hoc requests in relation to the AOP, Forecast and Close cycles.

Licensee reporting / systems

• Working closely with revenue accounting to manage postings, flagging issues as needed
• Work with Senior Finance Analyst to conduct Guarantee shortfall analysis in line with deadlines
• Utilize (SRR) to understand reporting status of licensees and keep Senior Manager informed
• Use of key systems (LRS, Invision) and engagement in implementation of \xe2\x80\x9cnew Invision\xe2\x80\x9d

Commercial Support

• Build strong working relationships with Category team (at the Manager / Senior Manager level) and assist with the management of their key (existing and future) partners including business plan preparation for contract renewals, benchmarking, audit findings and key account decks
• Analysis of market data (e.g., Global Data) to help assist with decision-making.
• Ad hoc analysis and reporting as required.
• Ensure the role is always up to date with key developments in the relevant industries, retailers, and licensees

Training and Professional Development

• Operate as part of an effective and inclusive team by demonstrating an awareness of others; welcoming and valuing unique perspectives and ideas; offering support, sharing knowledge and best practices in order to contribute to overall departmental commitments.

• Take ownership of your professional development through regular career conversations with line manager and utilising available resources such as D Learn, instructor-led courses and on the job learning.

• Proactively suggest ways to improve departmental performance and processes, leveraging technological tools where applicable.

• Promote and maintain an inclusive workplace, championing diversity and inclusion and make use of available resources to extend knowledge and best practice

Experience and Professional Qualifications Required Degree level essential and Accounting qualification (part qualification studying towards full completion) Experience of an equivalent Finance role in FP&A, supporting commercial teams, and of working within the retail / licensing sector preferably for a multinational corporation preferable Skills Required Demonstrable track record of analytical work that is insightful, timely and accurate. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Ability to produce clear and insightful analysis that delivers key messaging at the appropriate level of detail. Numerate and analytical with a desire to think through and resolve problems. Results focussed and outcome driven. Fostering a \xe2\x80\x98one team\xe2\x80\x99 culture in day-to-day role.